New Jersey is facing another blast of hot weather to close out the week, but it’s not supposed to be as bad as last week’s brief heat wave. It will be worse.

Excessive heat warnings have been issued for Mercer, Gloucester, Camden and parts of Burlington counties through Sunday, where it could feel as hot as 105 degrees today, according to the National Weather Service. The remainder of the state, with the exception of Sussex County, is under a heat advisory Friday for temperatures near or exceeding 100 degrees.

"We’re in for a rough period," said Walter Drag, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office. "It’s going to be roasting."

While the hot conditions will likely peak this weekend, with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s, the entire state is expected to be baking — with the outlook for relief hazy at best. Forecasters say the state’s second summer heat wave could last a full week.

The extreme conditions will likely send thousands flocking to beaches. Last week, rip currents led to the deaths of two swimmers and forced dozens of water rescues along the coast, and Drag urged vigilance.

"We definitely advise anyone swimming in the ocean to swim at guarded beaches only," he said. "This is pretty serious."

Temperatures are forecast to moderate a bit to start the work week, but will likely remain near 90 degrees or slightly warmer through at least the Fourth of July. State officials advise residents to stay out of the sun as much as possible, drink fluids and monitor children and the elderly, who are more at risk for heat-related illnesses.